Siege of Silves (1191): Difference between revisions

Siege of Silves (1191)
	Part of Portuguese Reconquista and Almohad campaign against Portugal (1190–1191)
	; Silves Castle
Date	27 June - 23 July 1191
Location	Silves, Portugal
Result	Almohad victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Portugal	Almohad Caliphate
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Yaqub al-Mansur
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Heavy; 3,000 captured	Unknown

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The Siege of Silves in 1191 was a successful operation by the Almohads to recapture the city of Silves from the Portuguese whom they held from 1189.

Background

In 1189, the Christians of Castile and Portugal took advantage of the internal turmoil happening in Al-Andalus and launched attacks into Muslim territory. The Portuguese king, Sancho, convinced a Crusader fleet that arrived in Lisbon in July 1189 to assist him in his attack against Silves. Sancho and the Crusaders marched south while the Crusader fleet sailed plundering the outskirts of Silves. The combined Christian armies captured Silves on September 1. The Almohad response came on June 5, 1190. They besieged the city, but Silves resisted against a strong siege, forcing the Almohads to raise the siege and retreat.^[1]

In the summer of 1190, the Almohads made a truce with Castile and Leon, allowing them to retaliate against Portugal. After wintering in Seville, the Almohads launched another campaign. The Almohads successfully captured Alcácer do Sal.^[2] They also captured Castle of Palmela and Almada. Now they headed towards their main target, Silves.^[3]

Siege

The Almohads arrived in Silves on 27 June 1191. They surrounded the city with strong forces, began filling the trenches that surrounded it, and erected trebuchets which they used to bombard the walls severely. After 13 days of siege and bombardment, at the dawn of night, the Almohads were awake, watching for any chance to capture the city. The garrison and the inhabitants were tired and sleepy. They did not expect any assault by them during this time. On the contrary, seeing the garrison was at rest, one of the Almohad guides came forward from the walls and told them of a gap that could allow them to enter. Seeing their chance, the guide was followed by a group of men. They began raising their banners on the walls and beating the drums, the Almohads then assaulted the city and the garrison woke up only after the Muslims took control of the city. They began massacring the Portuguese.^[4] The shocked survivors retreated to Kasbah where they were besieged.^[5] The Portuguese capitulated on 23 July.^[6] The Portuguese were allowed to send a message to the king asking him for permission to surrender which the king accepted.^[7] The Almohad Caliph gave them 10 days to evacuate Silves.^[8]

The Christian accounts do not provide many details regarding the siege, it mentions that the Almohads bombarded the walls non-stop until the garrison surrendered and were allowed to leave with their properties.^[9] The campaign in Silves resulted in the capture of 3,000 slaves.^[10]

Aftermath

The reconquest of Silves by the Almohads marked the end of their campaign against Portugal. The victory pushed the frontier back to the Tagus River, Évora and Beja was captured by the Almohads.^[11]^[12]^[13]

References

^ Timothy M. Flood, p. 116
^ Timothy M. Flood, p. 117
^ Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 187
^ Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 187-188
^ S. Lay, p. 160
^ Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 188
^ S. Lay, p. 160
^ Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 188
^ Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 188
^ Jeremy Black (2020), A Brief History of Portugal, Indispensable for Travellers.[1]
^ ALEJANDRO, GARCÍA SANJUAN (2017-04-24). EVOLUCIÓN HISTÓRICA Y POBLAMIENTO DEL TERRITORIO ONUBENSE DURANTE LA ÉPOCA ANDALUSÍ: (Siglos VIII - XIII) (in Spanish). Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Huelva. ISBN 978-84-17066-06-2.
^ Geschichtsforschung, Universität Wien Institut für Österreichische (1911). Mitteilungen des Instituts für Österreichische Geschichtsforschung: Ergänzungsband (in German). Böhlau.
^ Gebhardt, Victor (1875). Historía general de España y de sus Indias des de los tiempos más remotos hasta nuestros días (in Spanish). Tasso.

Sources

Muhammad Abdullah Enan (1964), The State of Islam in Andalusia, Vol. III: The Era of Almoravids and Almohads, Part 2. (In Arabic) [2]

Timothy M. Flood (2018), Rulers and Realms in Medieval Iberia, 711-1492.[3]

S. Lay (2008), The Reconquest Kings of Portugal, Political and Cultural Reorientation on the Medieval Frontier.[4]

[1] Timothy M. Flood, p. 116

[2] Timothy M. Flood, p. 117

[3] Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 187

[4] Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 187-188

[5] S. Lay, p. 160

[6] Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 188

[7] S. Lay, p. 160

[8] Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 188

[9] Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 188

[10] Jeremy Black (2020), A Brief History of Portugal, Indispensable for Travellers.[1]

[11] ALEJANDRO, GARCÍA SANJUAN (2017-04-24). EVOLUCIÓN HISTÓRICA Y POBLAMIENTO DEL TERRITORIO ONUBENSE DURANTE LA ÉPOCA ANDALUSÍ: (Siglos VIII - XIII) (in Spanish). Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Huelva. ISBN 978-84-17066-06-2.

[12] Geschichtsforschung, Universität Wien Institut für Österreichische (1911). Mitteilungen des Instituts für Österreichische Geschichtsforschung: Ergänzungsband (in German). Böhlau.

[13] Gebhardt, Victor (1875). Historía general de España y de sus Indias des de los tiempos más remotos hasta nuestros días (in Spanish). Tasso.

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[2]

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-<!-- Please do not remove or change this AfD message until the discussion has been closed. -->
-{{Article for deletion/dated|page=Siege of Silves (1191)|timestamp=20230924203527|year=2023|month=September|day=24|substed=yes}}
-<!-- Once discussion is closed, please place on talk page: {{Old AfD multi|page=Siege of Silves (1191)|date=24 September 2023|result='''keep'''}} -->
-<!-- End of AfD message, feel free to edit beyond this point -->
 {{Infobox military conflict
-| conflict          =
+| conflict          = Siege of Silves (1191)
+| partof            = [[Portugal in the Reconquista|Portuguese ''Reconquista'']] and [[Almohad campaign against Portugal (1190–1191)]]
-| date              = [[1191]]
-| place             = [[Silves, Portugal|Silves]]
+| image             = CASTELO DE SILVES 5.jpg
+| image_size        = 300
-| territory         = Recapture of [[Silves, Portugal|Silves]] by the [[Almohads]]
+| caption           = Silves Castle
+| date              = 27 June - 23 July 1191
+| place             = [[Silves, Portugal]]
 | result            = Almohad victory
-| combatant1        = {{flagicon image|Flag of Morocco (1147-1269).svg}} [[Almohad caliphate]]
+| combatant1        = [[File:Brasão de armas do reino de Portugal (1139).svg|20px]] [[Kingdom of Portugal]]
-| combatant2        = [[Image:PortugueseFlag1143.svg|22px|border]] [[Kingdom of Portugal]]
+| combatant2        = {{flagicon image|Flag of Morocco (1147-1269).svg}} [[Almohad Caliphate]]
-| commander1        = {{flagicon image|Flag of Morocco (1147-1269).svg}} [[Yaqub al-Mansur]]
+| commander1        = Unknown
-| commander2        =[[Image:PortugueseFlag1143.svg|22px|border]] [[Sancho I of Astarac|Sancho I]]
+| commander2        = [[Yaqub al-Mansur]]
 | strength1         = Unknown
 | strength2         = Unknown
-| casualties1       = Unknown
+| casualties1       = Heavy<br>3,000 captured
 | casualties2       = Unknown
-| partof            = [[Almohad campaign against Portugal (1190–1191)]]
 }}
+{{Campaignbox Reconquista}}
-In [[1191]], the [[Almohads]], under the leadership of [[Yaqub al-Mansur]], launched a victorious surprise attack on the city of [[Silves, Portugal|Silves]]. The Almohads, determined to expand their [[empire]] and establish their dominance in the region, were successful in their campaign to take possession of the city. The Siege of [[Silves, Portugal|Silves]] was a significant military victory for the [[Almohads]] and a turning point in the history of their empire. In this article, we will explore the events and aftermath of the successful [[Almohad]] attack on [[Silves, Portugal|Silves]] in 1191.<ref>{{cite book|title=Rulers and Realms in Medieval Iberia, 711-1492
+{{Campaignbox Moroccan-Portuguese conflicts}}
-|author= Anne-Marie Eddé|date= 2018|page=117|url=https://www.google.co.ma/books/edition/Rulers_and_Realms_in_Medieval_Iberia_711/Duh3DwAAQBAJ?hl=fr&gbpv=1&dq=siege+of+silves+1191&pg=PA117&printsec=frontcover|isbn=9781476674711}}</ref>
+The '''Siege of Silves in 1191''' was a successful operation by the Almohads to recapture the city of Silves from the Portuguese whom they held from 1189.
-==The background==
+==Background==
-In the late [[12th century]], the city of Silves was an important stronghold for the Almohad Empire, which was expanding its power in the region. However, in [[1189]], King [[Sancho I of Portugal|Sancho I]] of Portugal captured Silves during his military campaigns in the region.
+{{main|Siege of Silves (1189)}}
-In 1191, [[Yaqub al-Mansur]] launched a surprise attack on Silves. The Almohads were successful in taking possession of [[Silves]] after a long and grueling siege. The victory was an important moment in the history of the [[Almohad Empire]] and set the stage for their continued dominance in Iberia.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Legacy of Muslim Spain
+In 1189, the Christians of Castile and Portugal took advantage of the internal turmoil happening in Al-Andalus and launched attacks into Muslim territory. The Portuguese king, [[Sancho I of Portugal|Sancho]], convinced a Crusader fleet that arrived in Lisbon in July 1189 to assist him in his attack against Silves. Sancho and the Crusaders marched south while the Crusader fleet sailed plundering the outskirts of Silves. The combined Christian armies captured Silves on September 1. The Almohad response came on June 5, 1190. They besieged the city, but Silves resisted against a strong siege, forcing the Almohads to raise the siege and retreat.<ref>Timothy M. Flood, p. 116</ref>
-|author= E.J. Brill|date= 1992|page=74|url=https://www.google.co.ma/books/edition/The_Legacy_of_Muslim_Spain/cbfORLWv1HkC?hl=fr&gbpv=1&dq=siege+of+silves+1191&pg=PA74&printsec=frontcover}}</ref>
-==The Siege==
-The siege of [[Silves, Portugal|Silves]] was a complex operation that relied on a variety of tactics. The [[Almohads]] used siege engines to breach the city's walls, while [[archers]] covered the advancing [[troops]]. The [[Almohads]] also used psychological warfare, employing trumpets and drums to intimidate the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] [[defenders]].
+In the summer of 1190, the Almohads made a truce with Castile and Leon, allowing them to retaliate against Portugal. After wintering in Seville, the Almohads launched another campaign. The Almohads successfully [[Siege of Alcácer do Sal (1191)|captured]] Alcácer do Sal.<ref>Timothy M. Flood, p. 117</ref> They also captured [[Castle of Palmela]] and [[Almada]]. Now they headed towards their main target, Silves.<ref>Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 187</ref>
-The Almohads surrounded Silves and cut off the city's supply lines, using their [[fleet]] to control the river. The defenders were at a significant disadvantage, and the siege dragged on for several [[months]]. The [[Portugal|Portuguese]] were eventually forced to surrender, and the Almohads triumphantly took possession of Silves.
+==Siege==
+The Almohads arrived in Silves on 27 June 1191. They surrounded the city with strong forces, began filling the trenches that surrounded it, and erected trebuchets which they used to bombard the walls severely. After 13 days of siege and bombardment, at the dawn of night, the Almohads were awake, watching for any chance to capture the city. The garrison and the inhabitants were tired and sleepy. They did not expect any assault by them during this time. On the contrary, seeing the garrison was at rest, one of the Almohad guides came forward from the walls and told them of a gap that could allow them to enter. Seeing their chance, the guide was followed by a group of men. They began raising their banners on the walls and beating the drums, the Almohads then assaulted the city and the garrison woke up only after the Muslims took control of the city. They began massacring the Portuguese.<ref>Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 187-188</ref> The shocked survivors retreated to [[Kasbah]] where they were besieged.<ref>S. Lay, p. 160</ref> The Portuguese capitulated on 23 July.<ref>Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 188</ref> The Portuguese were allowed to send a message to the king asking him for permission to surrender which the king accepted.<ref>S. Lay, p. 160</ref> The Almohad Caliph gave them 10 days to evacuate Silves.<ref>Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 188</ref>
+The Christian accounts do not provide many details regarding the siege, it mentions that the Almohads bombarded the walls non-stop until the garrison surrendered and were allowed to leave with their properties.<ref>Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 188</ref> The campaign in Silves resulted in the capture of 3,000 slaves.<ref>Jeremy Black (2020), A Brief History of Portugal, Indispensable for Travellers.[https://books.google.com/books?id=bG6lDwAAQBAJ&dq=Silves+1191+3000&pg=PT55]</ref>
-The Almohad victory was a testament to their [[military ]]prowess and showed their determination to expand their empire. The strategic use of [[technology]] and [[tactics]] proved effective in their campaign to take [[Silves]], demonstrating their superior military knowledge and preparedness.<ref>{{cite book|title=La maîtrise de l'eau en al-Andalus
-|author=  Patrice Cressier|date= 2006|page=83|url=https://www.google.co.ma/books/edition/La_ma%C3%AEtrise_de_l_eau_en_al_Andalus/EjBvF5XX-2cC?hl=fr&gbpv=1&dq=siege+of+silves+1191&pg=PA83&printsec=frontcover|isbn=9788495555694}}</ref>
-== Conclusion ==
-In conclusion, the [[siege]] of [[Silves, Portugal|Silves]] in [[1191]] was a significant event in the [[history]] of the [[Almohad empire]]. The victory at Silves was a key moment in the Almohad expansion in Iberia and demonstrated their military strength, preparedness, and determination.<ref>{{cite book|title=Gouverner l'empire
-|author= Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui |date= 2011|page=43|url=https://www.google.co.ma/books/edition/Gouverner_l_empire/afccu6aSvNEC?hl=fr&gbpv=1&dq=siege+of+silves+1191&pg=PA43&printsec=frontcover|isbn=9788496820890}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title= Pays d'Islam et monde latin, Xe-XIIIe siècle
- |date= 2000|page=157|url=https://www.google.co.ma/books/edition/Pays_d_Islam_et_monde_latin_Xe_XIIIe_si/vYWqg8talacC?hl=fr&gbpv=1&dq=siege+of+silves+1191&pg=PA157&printsec=frontcover|isbn=9782729706609}}</ref>
 ==Aftermath==
+The reconquest of Silves by the Almohads marked the end of their [[Almohad campaign against Portugal (1190–1191)|campaign]] against Portugal. The victory pushed the frontier back to the [[Tagus]] River, [[Évora]] and [[Beja]] was captured by the Almohads.<ref>{{Cite book |last=ALEJANDRO |first=GARCÍA SANJUAN |url=https://books.google.it/books?id=DCm6DgAAQBAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&lpg=PA112&dq=silves%20evora%20beja%20alc%C3%A1cer%20do%20sal%201191&hl=it&pg=PA112#v=onepage&q=silves%20evora%20beja%20alc%C3%A1cer%20do%20sal%201191&f=false |title=EVOLUCIÓN HISTÓRICA Y POBLAMIENTO DEL TERRITORIO ONUBENSE DURANTE LA ÉPOCA ANDALUSÍ: (Siglos VIII - XIII) |date=2017-04-24 |publisher=Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Huelva |isbn=978-84-17066-06-2 |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Geschichtsforschung |first=Universität Wien Institut für Österreichische |url=https://books.google.it/books?id=oa9DAAAAYAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=MITTEILUNGEN%20DES%20INSTITUTS%20%20F%C3%9CR%20%20%C3%96STERREICHISCHE%20%20GESCHICHTSFORSCHUNG%20%20UNTER%20MITWIRKUNG%20VON%20%20ALF.%20DOPSCH,%20M.%20DVORAK%20UND%20E.%20v.%20OTTENTHAL%20REDIGIERT%20VON%20OSWALD%20REDLICH.%20%20VIII.%20ERG%C3%84NZUNGSBAND.%20%20INNSBRUCK.%20VERLAG%20DER%20WAGNER'SCHEN%20UNIVERSIT%C3%84TS-BUCHHANDLUNG%201911.&hl=it&pg=PA212#v=onepage&q=MITTEILUNGEN%20DES%20INSTITUTS%20%20F%C3%9CR%20%20%C3%96STERREICHISCHE%20%20GESCHICHTSFORSCHUNG%20%20UNTER%20MITWIRKUNG%20VON%20%20ALF.%20DOPSCH,%20M.%20DVORAK%20UND%20E.%20v.%20OTTENTHAL%20REDIGIERT%20VON%20OSWALD%20REDLICH.%20%20VIII.%20ERG%C3%84NZUNGSBAND.%20%20INNSBRUCK.%20VERLAG%20DER%20WAGNER'SCHEN%20UNIVERSIT%C3%84TS-BUCHHANDLUNG%201911.&f=false |title=Mitteilungen des Instituts für Österreichische Geschichtsforschung: Ergänzungsband |date=1911 |publisher=Böhlau |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Gebhardt |first=Victor |url=https://books.google.it/books?id=l1JmAAAAcAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=En%20el%20a%C3%B1o%20586%20(1190),%20los%20cristianos,%20que%20inquietaban%20las%20fronteras%20de%20Algarbe,%20entraron%20por%20fuerza%20de%20armas%20las%20ciuda-%20des%20de%20Silves,%20Beja%20y%20Evora,%20entendiendo%20que%20Yacub%20Alman-%20zor%20se%20hab%C3%ADa%20tornado%20%C3%A1%20Africa%20con%20gran%20parte%20de%20sus%20tropas.%20Al%20recibir%20Yacub%20semejantes%20noticias,%20pes%C3%B3le%20mucho%20por%20aquellas%20p%C3%A9rdidas,%20y%20con%20ira%20y%20descontento%20mand%C3%B3%20sus%20cartas%20%C3%A1%20los%20cau-%20dillos%20de%20las%20fronteras%20de%20Andaluc%C3%ADa,%20y%20les%20orden%C3%B3,%20no%20sin%20re-%20prenderlos%20por%20su%20descuido,%20llevar%20la%20guerra%20%C3%A1%20las%20tierras%20cristianas%20mientras%20se%20dispon%C3%ADa%20%C3%A9l%20%C3%A1%20pasar%20el%20mar,%20que%20espe-%20raba%20poder%20hacerlo%20pronto.%20En%20su%20consecuencia%20los%20alcaides%20de%20Espa%C3%B1a%20se%20reunieron%20con%20Muhamad%20ben%20Yussuf,%20wali%20de%20C%C3%B3rdoba,%20quien%20parti%C3%B3%20con%20ellos%20al%20frente%20de%20numeroso%20ej%C3%A9r-%20cito%20de%20almohades,%20%C3%A1rabes%20y%20espa%C3%B1oles,%20y%20fu%C3%A9%20%C3%A0%20establecer%20su%20campo%20delante%20de%20Silves,%20que%20entr%C3%B3%20por%20fuerza%20de%20armas%20despu%C3%A9s%20de%20combatirla%20durante%20alg%C3%BAn%20tiempo%20de%20d%C3%ADa%20y%20de%20no-%20che%20(1).%20Conquisto%20luego%20el%20Alc%C3%A1zar%20de%20Abi%20Denis%20y%20las%20ciuda-%20des%20de%20Beja%20y%20Evora,%20y%20volvi%C3%B3%20%C3%A1%20C%C3%B3rdoba%20llevando%20consigo%20tres%20mil%20cautivos%20y%20quince%20mil%20cabezas%20de%20ganado&hl=it&pg=PA292#v=onepage&q=En%20el%20a%C3%B1o%20586%20(1190),%20los%20cristianos,%20que%20inquietaban%20las%20fronteras%20de%20Algarbe,%20entraron%20por%20fuerza%20de%20armas%20las%20ciuda-%20des%20de%20Silves,%20Beja%20y%20Evora,%20entendiendo%20que%20Yacub%20Alman-%20zor%20se%20hab%C3%ADa%20tornado%20%C3%A1%20A |title=Historía general de España y de sus Indias des de los tiempos más remotos hasta nuestros días |date=1875 |publisher=Tasso |language=es}}</ref>
-After the victory at Silves in [[1191]], [[Yaqub al-Mansur]] returned to [[Morocco]] as a hero. His successful campaign had restored the honor of [[Almohad Empire]] and demonstrated their military might to the people of Iberia. The capture of Silves was seen as a significant victory for the [[Almohads]], and it cemented their control over the region. The [[Almohad Empire]] continued to dominate Iberia for the next few decades, partially because of the success of their attack on [[Silves, Portugal|Silves]] and the subsequent victories they achieved.<ref>{{cite book|title=a history of portugal
- |date= 1947|page=102|url=https://www.google.co.ma/books/edition/a_history_of_portugal/fHI3AAAAIAAJ?hl=fr&gbpv=1&dq=siege+of+silves+1191&pg=PA98&printsec=frontcover}}</ref>
 ==References==
 {{reflist}}
+[[Category:1191 in Europe]]
+[[Category:Conflicts in 1191]]
+[[Category:Sieges of the Reconquista]]
 [[Category:Sieges involving the Almohad Caliphate]]
+[[Category:12th century in Portugal]]
+[[Category:Battles of the Third Crusade]]
+[[Category:Silves, Portugal]]
+==Sources==
+*Muhammad Abdullah Enan (1964), The State of Islam in Andalusia, Vol. III: The Era of Almoravids and Almohads, Part 2. (In Arabic) [https://archive.org/details/0053212/03B_53216/page/n186/mode/1up]
+*Timothy M. Flood (2018), Rulers and Realms in Medieval Iberia, 711-1492.[https://books.google.com/books?id=Duh3DwAAQBAJ&dq=Silves+1191&pg=PA117]
+*S. Lay (2008), The Reconquest Kings of Portugal, Political and Cultural Reorientation on the Medieval Frontier.[https://books.google.com/books?id=I2CCDAAAQBAJ&dq=Alcacer+April+1191&pg=PA159]